For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
|
New ID cards recommended for VA users
Question:
Is the Department of Veterans Affairs still distributing a new veteran identification card to those eligible for medical benefits?
Answer: The VA has been issuing a new red, white and blue identification card to new enrollees and changing out the card to already enrolled veterans. Not all enrolled veterans have obtained their new card and are requested to do so. The face of the card contains a 1-inch by 1-inch color photo, the veteran's name, a bar-code, and service connected, former POW and/or Purple Heart identifiers as applicable. No other personal information is visible on the card. The bar-code is used to access the patient's record in the system. The back of the card contains a magnetic stripe with key data to access the patient record and printed information for questions on health care. The card is free and can be obtained at the VA Medical Clinic. The card is only for veterans registered with the VA so be sure to bring in your old card. Call the center at 433-0600 for additional information.
Q: What should I do if I think an error was made on a previous disability decision?
A: If it has not yet been a year since that decision was issued, you are still within the time frame to appeal the decision, and you should file a notice of disagreement. This must be submitted in writing and specify exactly your disagreement with the decision you received. You should refer to your decision notification letter and the attached VA form 4107, "Your Rights To Appeal Our Decision," for further guidance on filing a Notice of Disagreement. You may download a copy of VA Form 4107 at http://www.vba.va.gov/ pubs/forms/4107.PDF. If you do not have a copy of your decision notification letter, VA can send that information to you. Contact the VA regional office at (800) 827-1000.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049 or visit the VA Web site at
www.va.gov/hawaii or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.